Stealth sign Duch, Sorensen

EVERETT — The Washington Stealth announced Wednesday they have signed veterans Kyle Sorensen and Rhys Duch to one-year contracts. The agreements are pending National Lacrosse League approval.

Sorensen, a defenseman, is a six-year NLL veteran. He recently was named the Stealth’s captain for 2013.

Duch, the team’s assistant captain, is a two-time NLL All-Pro forward who in his five years with the Stealth has developed into one of the league’s most prolific scorers.

“Kyle and Rhys are two of the best players in the game and having them both back with the Stealth is a very big step for our organization heading into the coming season,” Washington general manager Doug Locker said in a press release. “In addition to what each of them brings on the floor, we are very excited to have them in leadership positions and believe it will have a very positive impact in our dressing room.”

The 26-year-old Sorensen has appeared in 75 regular-season games and 11 playoff games for the Stealth. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound right-hander has accumulated 54 career points (23 goals, 31 assists) and 390 career loose balls, including six points (three goals, three assists) and 41 loose balls in 13 games in 2012

Duch, 26, has appeared in all but two games for the Stealth since being drafted by the franchise with the third overall selection in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft. He has collected 344 points (143 goals, 201 assists) in 62 career games. In 2012, he tallied 79 points (33 goals, 46 assists) and 84 loose balls in 14 games.

The Stealth open their fourth season in Everett on Jan. 5 when they play host to the defending NLL champion Rochester Knighthawks at Comcast Arena.